UCLA

The medical field calls for greater diversity in its physician workforce to promote more equitable healthcare and combat health disparities. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute-funded Diversity, Health Equity and the Environment Program at University of California, Los Angeles aims to increase major retention in underrepresented minority (URM) pre-health undergraduates to promote greater diversity in medical school applicants. Qualitative analysis of student interview responses on student program experience was conducted to better understand the impact of program participation. Students most valued the program’s educational content, research experience, community, and mentorship, which advanced new and already present health-related career goals. The program offers a promising approach to increasing representation in medicine through student-centered learning and cultural support in building science identity.